Hearing loss support in the Scottish Borders: Galashiels clinic transforms lives with latest technology
After a lifetime of hearing loss and missing out on life’s magic moments, bridegroom-to-be Gerard Rossi from Peebles was determined to make a change before his big day.
He was due to marry his fiancée, Linda, at Barony Castle Hotel last year and was really worried he would miss out on hearing her vows.
A visit to House of Hearing’s clinic in Galashiels was life-changing, he said, especially as his order only went in days before the wedding; audiologist Daniel Foxcroft promised they would arrive on time – and they did.
Gerard said the wedding was one of the major factors in deciding to splash out on the latest hearing devices: “It was to be able to listen to what my wife’s vows were, and to hear what I had to say myself.”
And it wasn’t just hearing those magic words that made a difference to Gerard – he can now hear his toddler grandchildren when they speak, and doesn’t have to listen to his TV at top volume.
Gerard, whose son Ger used to play for Hibs, said: “I’m on a different planet with these. Even my family notice the difference in me. I was getting to the stage where they were talking to me and I’d no clue what they were saying but I was just nodding my head and they knew that and they used to just laugh at me, like ‘we’re talking to you, but you don’t know what we’re saying and agreeing with us’.
“All that’s stopped now; I can hear people talking at least 20 yards away from me. I’ve never had that before.
“And when I’m in the garden I’ll say ‘you don’t need to shout, you know? I can hear you’, it’s marvellous – just marvellous.”
Gerard, who survived a near fatal cardiac arrest in January 2020 says he owes his life to the friends he was with that day. Now, his entire attitude to life has changed and he is positively embracing every opportunity.
“Life has funny ways of doing deals. When it’s not your time, it’s not your time. It’s not a rehearsal and you’ve got to enjoy it, you really do. And don’t wait until you retire, I can assure you it’s an old wives’ tale that one. Enjoy every minute while you can!
“Grab every day the best you can in this world, and your family are the most important at the end of the day. Your loved ones are precious and that’s all I could say to you.”
Family aside, his new hearing aids are among Gerard’s most precious possessions, and he has added them to his house insurance to cover the cost if ever he loses one. However, he says the fit is so good – a big improvement over older styles he tried in the past – that he feels confident embracing life while wearing them.
He added: “Enjoy life while you’re able, you know, getting these hearing aids – honestly, they’ve changed my whole life really. I’m taking in more things. It’s come at a good time now that I’ve retired too.”
Audiologist Daniel Foxcroft was inspired in his career choice by his own hearing loss. Working out of House of Hearing’s Galashiels clinic, he is delighted to build real connections with local people and make a difference to lives every day.
He said: “Helping people like Gerard get the most out of life is such a privilege; hearing aids have allowed him to discover the joy in everyday moments and live a full life. This is such a rewarding job.”
Find out more at www.houseofhearing.co.uk or call 01896 314 013.